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Abstract:

An office work system comprises a first furniture unit having a first
laterally-extending channel, and a second furniture unit having a second
laterally-extending channel, the second channel being disposed
substantially parallel to and at least substantially the same vertical
height as the first channel, such that at least a portion of the first
and second channels coextend. The office work system further comprises a
work accessory and a connector assembly to connect the work accessory to
the first and second furniture units along the coextending portions of
the channels, the assembly including a pair of engagement members adapted
to engage the first and second channels.

Claims:

1. An office work system, comprising:a first furniture unit having a first
laterally-extending channel;a second furniture unit having a second
laterally-extending channel, the second channel being disposed
substantially parallel to and at substantially the same vertical height
as the first channel, such that at least a portion of the first and
second channels coextend;a work accessory; anda connector assembly to
connect the work accessory to the first and second furniture units along
the coextending portions of the channels, the assembly including a pair
of engagement members adapted to engage the first and second channels.

2. The office work system of claim 1, wherein the first furniture unit
includes a beam member that includes the first laterally-extending
channel.

3. The office work system of claim 2, wherein the beam member defines an
uppermost edge of the beam assembly.

4. The office work system of claim 3, wherein the work accessory assembly
extends upwardly from the beam member.

5. The office work system of claim 1, wherein the first channel and the
second channel are each upwardly opening.

6. The office work system of claim 1, wherein the first furniture unit
includes at least one first horizontal frame member and at least one
second horizontal frame member located below the first horizontal member,
and a plurality of vertical frame members operably coupled to the at
least one first horizontal frame member and the at least one second
horizontal frame member and spaced there along.

7. The office work system of claim 1, wherein the first furniture unit is
a table assembly.

8. The office work system of claim 1, wherein the first furniture unit is
a storage assembly.

9. The office work system of claim 1, wherein the work accessory assembly
extends upwardly from the first furniture unit.

10. A office work system, comprising:a beam assembly including a first
horizontal frame member having a longitudinally extending first channel,
the first channel having a first portion and a second portion each
located within the channel;a first work tool support assembly adapted to
support a first work tool therefrom and having a first channel engagement
member that engages the first portion of the first channel; anda second
work tool support assembly adapted to support a second work tool
therefrom and having a second channel engagement member that engages the
second portion of the at least one channel, such that the first channel
engagement member and the second channel engagement member each engage
the first channel at a same position along a length of the first
horizontal frame member.

11. The office work system of claim 10, wherein the first horizontal frame
member includes a beam member.

12. The office work system of claim 10, wherein the first horizontal frame
member includes a second channel extending substantially parallel to the
first channel along the length of the first horizontal frame member.

13. The office work system of claim 12, wherein the first and second
channels are upwardly opening.

14. The office work system of claim 12, wherein the second work tool
support assembly engages second channel.

15. The office work system of claim 10, wherein the first portion of the
first channel is located above the second portion of the first channel.

16. The office work system of claim 15, wherein the first channel is
upwardly opening.

17. The office work system of claim 10, wherein the first work tool
support assembly is adapted to support a first work tool at a select one
of below and even level with an upper surface of the first horizontal
frame member.

18. The office work system of claim 17, wherein the second work tool
support assembly is adapted to support a second work tool above the upper
surface of the first horizontal frame member.

19. The office work system of claim 10, wherein the first horizontal frame
member defines an uppermost surface of the beam assembly.

20. An office work system, comprising:a beam assembly including at least
one first horizontal frame member having a pair of upwardly opening
channels extending along a length thereof;a work tool; anda work tool
support assembly supporting the work tool from the at least one first
horizontal frame member, the work tool support assembly comprising:a
clamping assembly adjustable along the at least one first horizontal
frame member and including a first clamping block and a second clamping
block, wherein the first and second clamping blocks each include a wedge
surface that cooperate to force the blocks into engagement with the pair
of channels, thereby securing the clamping assembly to the at least one
first horizontal frame member; anda pedestal assembly having a first end
secured to the clamping assembly, and a second end secured to the work
tool.

21. The office work system of claim 20, wherein the at least one first
horizontal frame member includes a beam member.

22. The office work system of claim 21, wherein the beam member includes
the pair of channels.

23. The office work system of claim 20, wherein at least one first
horizontal frame member defines the uppermost surface of the beam
assembly.

24. The office work system of claim 20, wherein each of the clamping
blocks receives a threaded actuator extending therethrough that draws the
wedge surfaces of the clamping blocks into engagement with one another.

25. The office work system of claim 20, wherein the pedestal assembly
includes a first arm secured to one of the clamping blocks, and a second
arm secured to the remaining clamping block.

26. The office work system of claim 25, wherein the pedestal assembly
further includes a platform member having at least one horizontally
extending portion to which the work tool is secured, and a vertically
extending portion extending downward from the at least one horizontally
extending portion and that is secured between the first and second arms.

27. The office work system of claim 20, wherein the work tool comprises a
storage unit.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/056,349, filed May 27, 2008, entitled BEAM ASSEMBLY, which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]The present invention relates to a partition assembly, and in
particular to a highly reconfigurable partition assembly allowing
optimization of a floor plan area and individual workstations within that
floor plan.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003]One aspect of the present invention is to provide an office work
system that comprises a first furniture unit having a first
laterally-extending channel, and a second furniture unit having a second
laterally-extending channel, the second channel being disposed and is
substantially parallel to and is substantially the same vertical height
as the first channel, such that at least a portion of the first and
second channels coextend. The office work system further comprises a work
accessory, and a connector assembly to connect the work accessory to the
first and second furniture units along the coextending portions of the
channels, the assembly including a pair of engagement members adapted to
engage the first and second channels.

[0004]Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an office work
system that comprises a beam assembly including a first horizontal frame
member having a longitudinally-extending first channel, the first channel
having a first portion and a second portion each located within the
channel. The office work system further comprises a first work tool
support assembly adapted to support a first work tool therefrom and
having a first channel engagement member that engages the first portion
of the first channel, and a second work tool support assembly adapted to
support a second work tool therefrom and having a second channel
engagement member that engages the second portion of the at least one
channel, such that the first channel engagement member and the second
channel engagement member each engage the first channel at a same
position along the length of the first horizontal frame member.

[0005]Still yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide an
office work system that comprises a beam assembly including at least one
first horizontal frame member having a pair of upwardly-opening channels
extending along a length thereof, a work tool, and a work tool support
assembly supporting the work tool from the at least one first horizontal
frame member. The work tool support assembly comprises a clamping
assembly adjustable along the at least one first horizontal frame member
and including a first clamping block and a second clamping block, wherein
the first and second clamping blocks each include a wedge surface that
cooperate to force the blocks into engagement with the pair of channels,
thereby securing the clamping assembly to the at least one first
horizontal frame member, and a pedestal assembly having a first end
secured to the clamping assembly, and a second end secured to the work
tool.

[0006]These and other advantages of the invention will be further
understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to
the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor plan area subdivided by a
partition system embodying the present invention;

[0008]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the floor plan area subdivided by the
partition system;

[0009]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the partition system and a plurality
of work tools supported therefrom;

[0010]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a beam assembly of the partition
system;

[0011]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the beam assembly;

[0012]FIG. 6A is an end view of a beam of the beam assembly;

[0013]FIG. 6B is a partial end view of an alternative embodiment of an end
portion of the beam;

[0014]FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the beam assembly with a
cover member of the beam assembly removed to show interior components
thereof;

[0015]FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a vertical frame member of the beam
assembly;

[0016]FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a portion of the vertical frame
member;

[0017]FIG. 8C is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
portion of the vertical frame member;

[0018]FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the beam assembly with the
cover removed therefrom to show interior components thereof;

[0019]FIG. 10 is an enlarged, partial end view of the beam assembly;

[0020]FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a grommet;

[0021]FIG. 11 is an end view of the beam assembly;

[0022]FIG. 11A is an enlarged view of area 11A, FIG. 11;

[0023]FIG. 12 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the beam
assembly;

[0024]FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a first hanger member;

[0025]FIG. 13B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
first hanger;

[0026]FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a clip member;

[0027]FIG. 14B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
clip member;

[0028]FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the beam assembly
with the cover removed to show the interior components thereof;

[0029]FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a second hanger member;

[0030]FIG. 16B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
second hanger member;

[0031]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an upper end cover member;

[0032]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a clip member utilized to support
the upper end cover member;

[0033]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a lower end cover member;

[0034]FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a coupler bracket;

[0035]FIG. 20B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
coupler bracket;

[0036]FIG. 20C is a perspective view of a connector bracket;

[0037]FIG. 20D is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
connector bracket;

[0038]FIG. 20E is a perspective view of a first portion of the alternative
connector bracket;

[0039]FIG. 20F is a perspective view of a second portion of the
alternative connector bracket;

[0040]FIG. 20G is a perspective view of an end-to-end connector bracket;

[0041]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an attachment bracket utilized to
connect the lower end cover member to the overall beam assembly;

[0042]FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of the beam assembly with both
cover members removed to show interior components thereof;

[0043]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
lower end cover member;

[0044]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
upper attachment bracket;

[0045]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
lower attachment bracket;

[0046]FIG. 26 is a partial end view of the beam assembly;

[0047]FIG. 27 is a partial side view of the beam assembly, with a portion
of a light seal cut away to show a light seal support member;

[0048]FIG. 28A is an exploded perspective view of a first foot assembly;

[0049]FIG. 28B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an
adjustment block of the first foot assembly;

[0050]FIG. 29A is an exploded perspective view of a second foot assembly;

[0051]FIG. 29B is an exploded perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the second foot assembly;

[0052]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of storage unit supported above the
beam by a stanchion assembly, wherein the storage unit is drawn in
phantom;

[0053]FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of area 28, FIG. 30, illustrating the
beam and the stanchion assembly;

[0054]FIG. 32A is an end view of the beam member supporting the stanchion
assembly and a worksurface support assembly therefrom, with a supported
worksurface shown at two adjustable heights;

[0055]FIG. 32B is an enlarged end view of area 29B, FIG. 32A;

[0056]FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the beam member and the stanchion
assembly, with a first embodiment of clamping assembly;

[0057]FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an alternative clamping assembly;

[0058]FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an alternative clamping block;

[0059]FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a beam assembly supporting a table
assembly via the worksurface support assembly;

[0060]FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the worksurface support assembly;

[0061]FIG. 38A is an enlarged perspective view of area 35, FIG. 34;

[0062]FIG. 38B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a
lower connector clip;

[0063]FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a plurality of tethered storage
units supporting a privacy screen therefrom;

[0064]FIG. 40 is a partial end view of one of the storage units with an
end wall thereof removed so as to display the internal components
thereof,

[0065]FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view of a clamping assembly;

[0066]FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the worksurfaces coupled together
via the clamping assembly, and a stanchion being supported by rails of
each of the storage units;

[0067]FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the privacy screen supported above
the beam assembly; and

[0068]FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a plurality of tables cooperating
to support the privacy screen thereabove.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0069]For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower,"
"right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and
derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 4.
However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various
alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly
specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific
devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described
in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive
concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and
other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed
herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly
state otherwise.

[0070]Reference number 10 generally designates a furniture system (FIGS. 1
and 2) utilizing a partition assembly 12 embodying the present invention.
The furniture system 10, and more particularly the partition assembly 12,
is utilized to subdivide a given floor plan area 14 in an office
environment either coupled with one another or as individual, stand-alone
units. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the furniture system 10 comprises
the partition assembly 12 and a plurality of work tools that are
supported by and/or extend outwardly from the partition assembly 12. In
the illustrated example, the work tools include tables 16, lower storage
units 18, elevated storage units 20, privacy screens 22, and the like. It
is noted that while the illustrated example includes work tools that are
coupled to and/or supported by the partition assembly 12, freestanding or
stand alone work tools may also be incorporated within the furniture
system 10 as described herein. It is further noted that the furniture
system 10 is constructed and configured such that the lower storage units
18 are positioned with respect to the partition assemblies 12, and below
a normal line of sight of a seated user, and are preferably positioned
such that a top surface of such work tools are located even with or below
an uppermost surface of each partition assembly 12. Moreover, work tools
supported above the partition assembly 12, such as the elevated storage
units and the privacy screens 22, are preferably configured such that an
uppermost surface of each of these work tools is positioned below a
normal line of sight of a user in a standing position. These
configurations and orientations provide a relatively uninterrupted, both
private and collaborative, work conducive environment.

[0071]The partition assembly 12 comprises a plurality of beam assemblies
24 (FIGS. 4 and 5) arranged and coupled with one another so as to
subdivide and organize the floor plan area 14. Each beam assembly 24
comprises a frame assembly 25 that includes a horizontally-extending beam
member 26, a pair of horizontally-extending lower frame members 28 spaced
from one another and positioned below the beam member 26, and a plurality
of vertical frame 30 spaced along the length and coupling the beam member
26 and the lower frame members 28. Each beam assembly 24 further includes
two cover members 32, which are juxtaposed from one another across the
vertical frame members 30. The cover members cooperate with the frame
assembly 25 to form an open wireway 34 extending along the entire length
of the beam assembly 24 and adapted to allow the routing of electrical
and/or communication lines therein. Each beam assembly 24 is supported
above a floor surface 36 via two first foot assemblies 38 and one or more
second foot assemblies 40 coupled with and extending downwardly from the
lower frame members 28.

[0072]The beam member 26 (FIG. 6A) of each beam assembly 24 includes a top
wall 42, a bottom wall 44 and a pair of sidewalls 46 that cooperate to
form an elongated, rectangularly-shaped closed beam structure. The top
wall 42 includes a pair of spaced apart channels 48 each extending along
the length of beam member 26 and having a neck portion 50 and a receiver
portion 52, wherein the width of the neck portion 50 is less than the
width of the receiver portion 52. The receiver portion 52 includes a pair
of sidewalls 54 extending orthogonally downward from the top wall 42, a
bottom wall 56 extending substantially parallel with the top wall 42, and
a pair of angularly-extending bottom walls 58 extending between the
sidewalls 54 and the bottom wall 56. A circularly-shaped alignment tube
60 is located within the interior 47 of the beam member 26 and defines an
aperture 62 that receives an alignment pin 64 therein that aligns
adjacent beam members 26 within the partition assembly 12. Alternatively,
the alignment tube 60 (FIG. 6B) may include a longitudinally-extending
opening 65. The bottom wall 44 includes a plurality of circularly-shaped
work tool apertures 66 (FIG. 7) spaced along the length of the beam
member 26. In the illustrated example, the work tool apertures 66 are
provided in a pair of rows located proximate the sidewalls 46 and they
are adapted to receive work tools supporting assemblies therein, as
discussed below, and 90° beam connections, wherein beam assemblies
24 are coupled to one another in original orientations. The bottom wall
44 of each beam member 26 further includes a plurality of
rectangularly-shaped vertical frame member apertures 68 spaced along the
length of the beam member 26. It is noted that the beam member 26 is
preferably formed via an extrusion process, however, other suitable
methods of manufacture may be utilized.

[0073]As best illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, each vertical frame member
30 comprises two halves 72 each having a pair of sidewalls 74 each being
resistance welded with a corresponding opposite half 72. Each vertical
frame member includes a pair of apertures 76 extending therethrough and
adapted to receive electrical and communication wire routing. In the
illustrated example, each vertical frame member 30 includes a lower
portion 78 that includes the apertures 76 and a necked-down upper portion
80. Each vertical frame member 30 further includes a lower end 82 and an
upper end 84. The upper end 84 includes a pair of arcuately-shaped
recesses 86.

[0074]Each of the lower frame members 28 (FIG. 9) are provided a
rectangular cross-sectional configuration and include a plurality of
rectangular-shaped apertures 88 located within and spaced along the
length of an upper or top surface 90, or alternatively circularly-shaped
aperture as illustrated in FIG. 29B. Each of the lower frame members 28
are preferably formed via a roll form process, however, other suitable
forms of manufacture may be utilized. Further, each vertical frame member
30 may be constructed by weldably securing each of the two halves 72 in a
back-to-back relationship.

[0075]In assembly, each of the vertical frame members 30 is positioned
such that the upper portion 80 of each of the vertical frame members 30
extends through the corresponding vertical frame member aperture 68 of
the beam member 26. As best illustrated in FIG. 10, the upper end 84 of
each of the vertical frame members 30 cooperates with the interior
surface of the top wall 42 of the beam member 26 to form an interference
fit between the vertical frame member 30 and the beam member 26.
Alternatively, a grommet 73 (FIG. 10A) is located between the top end of
the vertical frame member 30, when created the two halves 72 in a
back-to-back relationship, and the beam 26 to reduce sounds caused by
frictional engagement therebetween. The grommet 73 includes an
arcuately-shaped body portion 75 that is received within the recesses 86,
and a pair of engagement legs 77 that engage along a length of the
vertical frame member 30. The grommet 73 preferably comprises a plastic
or rubber material. In the illustrated example, the alignment tube 60 is
received within the recesses 86 of the vertical frame member 30 with the
upper end 84 of the vertical frame member 30 being received between the
alignment tube 60 and the sidewalls 54 of channels 48. A pair of L-shaped
coupler brackets 92 (FIG. 7) are then secured to each side of the
corresponding vertical frame member 30 via a plurality of mechanical
fasteners (not shown) and the bottom wall 40 of the beam member 26 by a
plurality of mechanical fasteners 93 (FIG. 6A). The lower end 82 of each
of the vertical frame members 30 is secured to the lower frame members 28
via a planar coupler bracket 94 (FIG. 9) that is weldably secured to the
lower end 82 of the corresponding vertical frame member 30 and secured to
the lower frame members 28 via a plurality of mechanical fasteners (not
shown). Alternatively, the lower end 82 of each of the vertical frame
members 30 may be weldably secured directly to the lower frame members
28. As best illustrated in FIG. 8C, each vertical member 30 may include a
downwardly-extending C-shaped tab member 75 that may be weldably-secured
to the lower frame members 28.

[0076]Each cover or skin member 32 (FIG. 11) includes a planar body
portion 96, an upper edge 98 and a lower edge 100. The upper edge 98
includes a downwardly-opening C-shaped channel having un upper edge 102
(FIG. 12) extending orthogonal to the body portion 96, and a
downwardly-extending lip 104 extending substantially parallel with the
body portion 96. The lower edge 100 of each of the cover members 32
includes a longitudinally-extending downwardly-opening hook portion 106
(FIG. 11A). Each of the cover members 32 is supported on the overall beam
assembly 24 by an upper support member 108 and a lower support member
110. The upper support member 108 (FIGS. 12 and 13A) includes a
tubularly-shaped body portion 112 having an upper end 114 and a lower end
116. The upper end 114 includes a raised cam-surface 118 that engages a
rectangularly-shaped cover member support aperture 120 extending through
the bottom wall 44 of the beam member 26. The upper end 114 further
includes a centrally-located mechanical fastener-receiving aperture 122.
The lower end 116 includes a pair of outwardly-extending legs 124 each
having a bulbous outer end 126. The legs 124 cooperate with the body
portion 112 to provide the upper support member 108 with an inverted
T-shape. The upper support member 108 further includes a latch member 128
rotatably coupled to the upper end 114 of the body portion 112 via a
screw 130 that is received with the aperture 122. In operation, the latch
member 128 is movable between a first position wherein the latch member
128 is aligned with the corresponding rectangular shape of the cover
member support aperture 122, and a second position, as illustrated in
FIG. 12, wherein the latch member 128 supports the upper support member
108 from the bottom wall 144 of the beam member 26. Alternatively, the
upper support member 108a (FIG. 13B) includes a rectangularly-shaped body
portion 112 having an upper end 114a and a lower end 116a. The upper end
114a includes a pair of outwardly-extending support arms 115a, 115b,
wherein one of the arms 115b include an aperture 117 extending
therethrough. The lower end 116a includes a pair of outwardly-extending
legs 124a each having a bulbous outer end 126a. The legs 124a cooperate
with the body portion 112a to provide the upper support member 108a with
an inverted T-shape. In assembly, the upper support member 108a is
coupled with the beam assembly 26 by inserting leg 115a into the aperture
120 of the beam 28, such that the leg 115a is supported by the lower wall
44 of the beam 28, and securing the other leg 115a to the beam 28 by
inserting a mechanical fastener such as a screw (not shown) through the
aperture 117. The upper support member 108a further includes an
integrally formed, downwardly-extending, hook-shape wire support 121
adapted to support electrical and communication lines. A plurality of
cover mounting clips 132 (FIG. 14A) are spaced along the length of the
upper edge 98 of a corresponding cover member 32 and engage both the
upper edge 98 and the upper support member 108 to couple the associated
cover member 32 within the overall beam assembly 24. Specifically, the
clip 132 includes an elongated body portion 134 having an oval
cross-sectional configuration, a flexibly resilient tab 136 extending
substantially planar with the body portion 134, a guide 138 extending
substantially orthogonally to the body portion 134 and a flexibly
resilient spring portion 140 extending parallel with the guide 138 and
spaced slightly therefrom. Alternatively, the clip 132a (FIG. 14B)
includes a pair of flexibly resilient tabs 136a spaced across the body
portion 134 from one another.

[0077]In assembly, the body portion 134 of each of the clips 132 is
positioned between the lip 104 and the body portion 96 of the associated
cover member 32 while the lip 104 is captured between the tab 136 and the
body portion 134 of the clip 132, while tabs A engage into cover
apertures, thereby securing the clip 132 with the cover member 32. In the
illustrated example, the guide 138 includes a plurality of bent tabs that
cooperate to form a rectangularly-shaped receiving cavity 142 that
receives an end 126 of one of the legs 124 of the upper support member
108 therein, while the spring portion 140 is biased against an opposite
side of the end 126 of the leg 124, thereby releasably securing the clip
132 and the associated cover member 32 with the overall beam assembly 24.

[0078]As best illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16A, the lower support member
110 includes a support 144 and a latch member 146. The support 144
includes an upper portion 148 that is received between the pair of lower
frame members 28, a pair of abutment members 150 that extend outwardly
from the upper portion 148 and abut a lower surface 152 of a
corresponding lower frame member 28, a lower portion 154 extending
downwardly from the upper portion 148, a cover supporting arm 156 spaced
outwardly from the lower portion 154, and a wire guide arm 158 spaced
outwardly from the lower portion 154 and inwardly from the cover support
arm 156. In assembly, support 144 is held in position with respect to the
lower frame members 28 by the latch member 146 that is movable between an
assembly position, wherein the rectangularly-shaped latch member 146 is
aligned with the space extending between the pair of lower frame members
28, and a latched position, wherein the latch member 146 extends
orthogonal to the lower frame members 28 and abuts the upper surface 90
thereof. The latch member 146 includes a pair of upwardly-extending
finger tabs 160 configured so as to allow the user to easily move the tab
member between the assembly and latched positions. The latch member 146
is rotatably secured to the upper portion 148 of the support 144 by a
screw 162 that extends into an aperture 164 of the support 144. A stop
member 166 extends upwardly from the upper portion 148 of the support 144
and prevents over rotation of the latch member 146 with respect thereto.
Each of the cover supporting arms 156 extends outwardly from the lower
portion 154 and receives the hook portion 106 of the lower edge 100 of
the associated cover panel 32 thereon, thereby positioning the cover
member 32 from the lower support member 110. The wire guide arm 158
cooperates with the lower portion 154 to support electrical and
communication lines therebetween. Specifically, the lower support member
110 assists in supporting electrical/communication lines running with a
lower wireway 161 defined between the pair of covers 32 and located below
the lower frame members 28, illustrated as the lowermost
horizontally-extending frame member of the frame assembly 25. It is noted
that the wireway 161 is also adapted to house power blocks and adapters
therein. It is further noted that both the wireway 161 as well as the
wireway 34 extend uninterrupted between adjacent beam assemblies 24.
Alternatively, the lower support member 110a (FIG. 16B) includes
triangularly-shaped abutment members 150 each having an
upwardly-extending pin 151 that is received within one of the
corresponding apertures 88.

[0079]Each cover member 32 is assembled with the overall beam assembly 24
by placing the hook portion 106 of the lower edge 100 of the cover member
into engagement with the cover support arm 156 of each of the
corresponding lower support members 110 and then rotating the upper edge
98 of the cover member 32 inwardly toward the vertical frame members 30
until the clips 132 releasably engage the legs 124 of the associated
upper support members 108. Once assembled, the top edge 98 of each cover
member 32 cooperates with the bottom wall 44 of the beam 26 to form a
wire routing gap 163 (FIG. 11) therebetween. The wire routing gap 163
allows the passage of wires between the covers 32 and the beam 26 and
communication and electrical lines to be easily routed from the wireways
34, 161 to a location in close proximity to the user. In the illustrated
example, the gap 163 is approximately 7/8 inch in width and runs along
the entire length of the beam assembly 24, however, other widths and
length may be utilized depending on a particular application or
requirement.

[0080]Each beam assembly 24 that is positioned at an end of a total
partition assembly 12 is provided with end cover or skin members
including a top end cover 164 (FIG. 5) that covers an end of the
associated beam member 26, and a bottom end cover 166 that covers the
wireway 34. The top end cover 164 (FIG. 17) includes a panel portion 168
having a top edge 170 and a bottom edge 172 that align with the top wall
42 and the bottom wall 44 of the beam member 26, respectively, when the
top end cover 164 is secured to the beam member 26. The panel portion 168
further includes side edges 174 each having an inwardly turned channel
176 utilized to secure a clip member 178 thereto. The clip member 178
(FIG. 18) includes a planar body portion 180, pairings of alignment tabs
182 extending outwardly from side edges 184 of the body portion 180, a
first pair of flexibly resilient spring arms 186 positioned between the
pairings of alignment tabs 182 and extending orthogonally inward from the
body portion 180, and a second pair of spring tabs 188 extending from
another side edge 190 and orthogonally from the body portion 180. In
assembly, a pair of the clip members 178 are each coupled with the top
end cover 168 by locating the alignment tabs 182 of each of the clip
members 178 within the channels 176 of the top end cover 164. During the
sliding assembly motion, the first pair of spring arms 186 of the
associated clip member 178 are pressed in an inward direction A such that
the arms 186 may pass by the ends 194 of the channels 176. Multiple gaps
196 located along the length of the channels 176 receive the first pair
of spring arms 186, thereby allowing the spring arms 186 to flex in an
outward direction and secure the position of the clip members 178 along
the length of the top end cover 164. The top end cover 164 is assembled
with the beam member 26 by aligning the top end cover 164 with an end of
the beam member 26 such that the tabs 186 and 188 of the clip members 178
are received within the interior 47 of the beam member 26. Specifically,
the clip members 178 are aligned with the beam member 26 such that the
first pair of spring arms 186 of each of the clip members 178
frictionally engages an inner surface of the sidewalls 46 of the beam
member 26, while the second pair of spring tabs 188 of the
upwardly-located clip member 178 abuts an inner surface of the bottom
wall of the channels 48 and the second pair of spring arms 188 of the
downwardly located clip member 178 abuts an inner surface of the bottom
wall 44 of the beam member 26.

[0081]In a first embodiment, the bottom end cover 166 (FIG. 19) includes a
body portion 198 having a top edge 200 and a bottom edge 202 that align
with the upper edge 98 and lower edge 100 of the cover members 32,
respectively, when the bottom end cover 166 is secured to the overall
beam assembly 24. The body portion 198 further includes a pair of side
edges 204 each including an inwardly-opening channel 206 extending along
the length of the bottom end cover 166. Each of the channels 206 includes
a gap 208 located along the length thereof while receiving a support
structure therein, as described below. One of the channels 206 further
includes an inwardly-extending stop tab 210. The bottom end cover 166 is
attached to the overall beam assembly 24 via an upper coupler bracket 212
(FIG. 5) and a lower coupler bracket 214. The upper coupler bracket 212
(FIG. 20A) includes a planar body portion 216 having a pair of arms 218
extending from opposite sides of the body member 216 and staggered from
one another along the length of the body portion 216. In the illustrated
example, the body portion 216 includes an aperture 220 extending
therethrough while each of the arms 218 include raised features 222. The
upper coupler bracket 212 also includes a top wall 224 extending
orthogonally from the body portion 216 and having an aperture 226
extending therethrough. The upper coupler bracket 212 further includes a
pair of angled sidewalls 228 ending in a pair of tabs 230 extending
upwardly from the top wall 224. In an alternative embodiment, as best
illustrated in FIG. 20B, an upper coupler bracket 212a is similar in
construction to the upper coupler bracket 212 with the main exception
being the replacement of the pair of offset arms 218 with a pair of
aligned arms 219 that are releasably engaged by spring arms 510 (FIG. 24)
of a clip member 507, as described below.

[0082]The lower coupler bracket 214 (FIG. 21) includes a planar body
portion 232, a pair of sidewalls 234 extending orthogonally from the body
portion 232, and a top wall 236 extending orthogonally from the body
portion 232. The body portion 232 includes a pair of alignment tabs 238
extending outwardly from a lower portion of the body portion 232, a pair
of securement tabs 240 extending outwardly and orthogonally from the body
portion 232, and located between the sidewalls 234 and the alignment tabs
238 along the length of the body portion 232. The top wall 236 includes a
pair of outwardly-extending support tabs 242 bifurcated by an
arcuately-shaped relief 244.

[0083]In assembly, the upper coupler bracket 212 (FIG. 22) is assembled
with the beam member 26 by extending the tabs 230 of the upper coupler
bracket 212 into corresponding apertures 246 located within the bottom
wall 44 of the beam member 26 and securing the upper coupler bracket 212
via a mechanical fastener, such as a bolt, extending through an aperture
248 located within the bottom wall 44 of the beam member 26 and the
aperture 226 located within the top wall 224 of the upper coupler bracket
212. The lower coupler bracket 214 is assembled to the frame assembly 25
by aligning the lower coupler bracket 214 with the lower frame members
28, such that the sidewalls 234 of the lower coupler bracket 214 is
received within the interior 250 of the corresponding frame members 28
and guide along the respective interior walls 252 thereof, while the
support tabs 242 of the top wall 224 are proximal to and secured to the
upper surface 90 of the each of the lower frame members 28 via mechanical
fasteners such as bolts or screws (not shown). The bottom end cover 166
is then secured to the overall beam assembly 24 by sliding the channels
206 of the bottom end cover 166 into engagement with the arms 218 of the
upper coupler bracket 212 and the securement tabs 240 of the lower
coupler bracket 214. The alignment tabs 238 of the lower coupler bracket
214 serve to align and guide the bottom end cover 166 as it is slidably
assembled with the brackets 212, 214, while the stop tab 210 of the
bottom end cover 224 abuts the upper coupler bracket 212, thereby
vertically aligning the bottom end cover 166 with the overall beam
assembly 24. The arcuately-shaped relief 244 within the top wall 236 of
the lower coupler bracket 214 provides clearance for the first foot
assembly 38.

[0084]In a second embodiment, the bottom end cover 166a (FIG. 23) includes
a body portion 198a having a top edge 200a and a bottom edge 202a that
align with the upper edge 98 and lower edge of the cover members 32,
respectively, when the bottom end cover 166a is secured to the overall
beam assembly 24. Since the bottom end cover 166a is similar to the
previously-described bottom end cover 166, similar parts appearing in
FIG. 5 and FIG. 23, respectively, are represented by the same,
corresponding reference numerals, except for the suffice "a" in the
numerals of the latter. The body portion 198a further includes a pair of
side edges 204a, a pair of integrally formed, longitudinally-extending
alignment walls 500 extending inwardly from an inner surface 502 of the
body portion, and a plurality of integrally-formed alignment bosses 504
extending inwardly from the inner surface 502. A pair of
elastically-resilient bumper members 506 extend longitudinally along the
body portion 198a and are located between the respective alignment walls
500 and side edges 204a. The bottom end cover 166a is attached to the
overall beam assembly 24 via an upper clip member 507 (FIG. 24) and a
lower clip member 509 (FIG. 25). The upper clip member 507 includes a
body portion 508 and a pair of orthogonally and inwardly-extending spring
arms 510 that engage above the arms 219 of the upper coupler bracket
212a, thereby coupling the bottom end cover 166a with the overall beam
assembly 24. The body portion 508 includes a plurality of alignment
apertures 512 that receive the alignment bosses 504 therein. The
alignment apertures 512 may include integrally-formed quick connectors
(not shown), or may be secured about the alignment bosses 504 via
separate mechanical fasteners, such as quick-connect washers 514. The
body portion 508 further includes a pair of elongated alignment apertures
515 that receive a pair of alignment bosses 516 therein. The upper clip
member 507 further includes an integrally-formed light shield 517
extending upwardly from the body portion 508. The light shield 517 is
positioned between the upper edge 200a of the bottom wall 44 of the beam
member 26 when the bottom end cover 166a is coupled with the overall beam
assembly 24. The lower clip member 509 (FIG. 25) includes a box-shaped
body portion 520 and a pair of inwardly-extending spring arms 522 that
engage a portion of an adjustment block 302a (FIG. 26) of a foot assembly
38, as described below, thereby coupling the bottom end cover 166a with
the overall beam assembly 24. The lower clip member 509 further includes
a pair of flanges 524 extending orthogonally to the body portion 520 and
including alignment apertures 526 that receive the alignment bosses 504
therein. The alignment apertures 526 may include integrally-formed quick
connectors (not shown), or may be secured about the alignment bosses 504
by separate mechanical fasteners, such as quick-connect washers 514.

[0085]As best illustrated in FIG. 20C, a 90° end coupler bracket
252 can replace the upper coupler bracket 212 to secure the end of a beam
member 26 to another beam member 26 in a 90° configuration. In the
illustrated example, the 90° end coupler bracket 252 includes a
planar body portion 254 having an aperture 256 and a pair of
rearwardly-extending tabs 258 extending orthogonally from the body
portion 254. The 90° end coupler bracket 252 is assembled with the
beam member 26 by locating the tabs 258 within the apertures 246 of the
beam 26 and securing the 90° end coupler bracket 252 with the beam
member 26 via hardware, such as a bolt extending through aperture 248 of
the beam 26, and the aperture 256 of the 90° end coupler bracket
252. In the illustrated example, the body portion 254 of the end coupler
bracket 252 includes an end portion 260 that extends outwardly beyond an
end of the beam member 26 once the 90° end coupler bracket 252 is
secured thereto, and that includes a pair of guide pins 262 extending
upwardly therefrom, that engage the circularly-shaped apertures 66 (FIG.
7) on the underside of the bottom wall 44 of the adjacent beam member 26
when the adjacent beam assemblies 24 are secured to one another in a
90° configuration. The adjacent beam assemblies are secured to one
another in an in-line configuration via bolts and/or screws that extend
through the apertures 220 and 222 of the upper coupler bracket 212 of
each of the corresponding and aligned beam assemblies 24.

[0086]As best illustrated in FIGS. 20D-20F, an alternative 90° end
coupler bracket 252a can replace the upper coupler bracket 212 to secure
the end of a beam member 26 to another beam member 26 in a 90°
configuration. In the illustrated example, the alternative 90° end
coupler bracket 252a includes a planar body portion 254a having an upper
portion 255 with an aperture 256a and a lower portion 257 with an
aperture 259 and a pair of juxtaposed U-shaped notches 261. A pair of
rearwardly-extending tabs 258a extend orthogonally from the body portion
254a. The bracket 252a further includes an engagement assembly 263 having
a pair of upwardly-extending guide pins 262a and a pair of
downwardly-extending U-shaped engagement portions 265 that are received
within the notches 261. A screw 267 extends through an aperture 269 and
is threadably received into the aperture 259. The 90° end coupler
bracket 252a is assembled with the beam member 26 in a similar manner to
the 90° end coupler bracket 252 as discussed above. The
alternative coupler bracket 252a may also be utilized for end-to-end beam
connections with end bracket 341 (FIG. 20G). The end bracket 241 includes
a squared, generally figure-eight configuration with pairs of apertures
243 located at opposite ends to receive the guide pins 262a of a pair of
coupler brackets 252a therein, and apertures 245 that align with
apertures within the beam 26.

[0087]As best illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27, a light seal assembly 270 is
provided to prevent light from passing through the wire routing gap 163
defined between the top edge 98 of the coupler panel 32 and the bottom
wall 44 of the beam member 26. The light seal assembly 270 includes a
semi-rigid light seal support member 274 that extends along the length of
the beam assembly 24 and is secured to the bottom wall 44 of the beam
member 26 by a plurality of mechanical fasteners, such as screws (not
shown). The support member 274 includes a top wall 276 that abuts the
bottom wall 44 of the beam member 26, a pair of longitudinally-extending
sidewalls 278, and an end wall 280 located at opposite ends of the
support member 274. The support member 274 is constructed of a relatively
thin steel, however, other suitable materials such as plastic may also be
utilized. The light seal assembly 270 further includes a flexible light
seal 282 having a downwardly-extending portion 284 that extends from the
bottom wall 44 of the beam member 26 to a vertical point that is below
the uppermost edge 98 of the cover panels 32, and that extends along the
length of the beam assembly 24, and at both ends 287. The light seal 282
(FIG. 27) further includes a support portion 280. The light seal 282 is
preferably constructed of a flexible material that allows easy access to
the wireway 34 via the gap 163. As previously described above, the end
portions 287 of the light seal 282 may be replaced by the light shield
portion 517 of the upper clip member 507.

[0088]The first foot assembly 38 (FIG. 28A) includes a pedestal 290 that
includes a floor abutting foot member 294 and a threaded shaft 298. The
threaded shaft 298 includes an adjustment nut integrally formed on a
distal end thereof The first foot assembly 38 further includes an
adjustment block 302 having a threaded aperture 304 extending
therethrough. In assembly, the adjustment block 302 is secured to and
between the lower frame members 28 with the threaded shaft 298 being
threadably received within the threaded aperture 304. Adjustment of the
height of the beam assembly can be produced by hand turning of the
pedestal or by utilizing a tool to engage the nut 300 of the threaded
shaft 298, thereby adjusting the relative position of the adjustment
block 302 along the length the threaded rod 298. Alternatively, the
adjustment block 302a (FIG. 28B) includes a pair of upwardly-extending
projections 305 that extend above the lower frame members 28 may be
engaged by the spring arms 522 of the bracket 214a, thereby releasably
coupling the bottom end cover 166a with the overall beam assembly 24.

[0089]The foot assembly 40 (FIGS. 9 and 29A) includes outwardly-extending
arms 310 having floor engaging feet 312 secured thereto. Each arm 310
extends outwardly away from the general beam assembly 24 so as to provide
lateral stability for the beam assembly 24 with respect to the supporting
floor surface 36. The opposite end of each arm 310 includes an
upwardly-extending adjustment block 314 fixedly secured to the associated
arm 310 and including a plurality of bolt-receiving apertures 316 spaced
along the length thereof The foot assembly 40 further includes a pair of
support brackets 318 each including a planar body portion 320 having a
plurality of bolt-receiving apertures 322 extending therethrough, a pair
of upwardly-opening hub portions 324 extending outwardly from opposite
sides of the body portion 320, and a top wall 326 extending orthogonal to
the body portion 320 and having an aperture 328 extending therethrough.
The foot assembly 40 further includes a clamp member 330 having a planar
body portion 332 and a plurality of downwardly-extending tabs 344
extending orthogonal to the body portion 332 and located at opposite
corners thereto. Body portion 332 further includes a pair of apertures
336 extending therethrough.

[0090]An alternative foot assembly 40a (FIG. 29B) includes
outwardly-extending arms 310a having floor engaging feet 312a secured
thereto. Each arm 310a extends outwardly away from the general beam
assembly 24 so as to provide lateral stability for the beam assembly 24
with respect to the supporting floor surface 36. The opposite end of each
arm 310 includes an upwardly-extending adjustment block 314a fixedly
secured to the associated arm 310a and including a plurality of
bolt-receiving apertures 316 spaced along the length thereof The foot
assembly 40a further includes a pair of L-shaped upper attachment
brackets 600 and a pair of L-shaped lower attachment brackets 602. Each
upper attachment bracket 600 and lower attachment bracket 602 includes a
first portion 604 and a second portion 610. In assembly, alignment bolts
620 are positioned through the bolt-receiving apertures, thereby
vertically supporting the beam assembly 24, while a plurality of clamping
bolts 622 are positioned within the apertures, thereby clamping the upper
and lower attachment brackets 600, 602 to one another. Alternatively, the
nuts associated with the bolts 620, 622 may be replaced by threaded
apertures within brackets 600, 602.

[0091]In assembly, each arm 310 is secured to the supporting brackets 318
via bolts 338 that extend through the apertures 322 of the support
brackets 318 and the apertures 316 of the adjustment blocks 314. The
relative height of the support brackets 318 with respect to the arms 310
can be adjusted by selecting the appropriate apertures 316 within which
the bolts 338 are placed. Bolts 340 are used to secure arms 310 to
adjustment blocks 340. The assembly of the support brackets 318 and the
arms 310 are then assembled with the overall beam assembly 24 by placing
a portion of the body portion 320 of the support brackets 318 and a
portion of the adjustment blocks 314 between the lower frame members 28,
such that the hub portions 324 of the support brackets 318 engage
apertures (not shown) located in the bottom side of each of the lower
frame members 28. The clamp member 330 is then secured to the support
brackets 318 by placing the tabs 334 of the clamp member 330 into
corresponding apertures 88 located in the top wall 90 of the lower frame
members 28 and threading bolts 344 through apertures 336 of the clamp
member 330 and into apertures 328 of the support brackets 318.

[0092]One of the work tools that are supported from the partition assembly
12 includes the elevated storage unit 20 (FIGS. 3 and 30) supported above
an associated beam assembly 24 by a stanchion assembly 320 that engages
the channels 48 of the beam member 26. Each stanchion assembly 320 (FIGS.
31-33) includes a clamping assembly 322 supporting a pedestal assembly
324 and a platform 326 thereabove. The clamping assembly 322 includes a
pair of cooperating clamping blocks 328 each having a wedge surface 329
that abuts the wedge surface 329 of the cooperating block 328 and forces
each of the blocks 328 in an outward direction B when adjusted towards
one another by an adjustment bolt 330 received within apertures 331
extending through each of the blocks 328. In the illustrated example, at
least one of the apertures 331 of the blocks 328 is non-concentric or
sized thereby allowing movement of the blocks 328 in the direction B
relative to one another. As each of the blocks 328 are forced in the
outward direction B, a pair of engagement hooks 332 extending downwardly
from the respective blocks 328 are forced into engagement with the outer
walls 54 and bottom walls 58 of the channels 48. Specifically, a sidewall
333 of each of the engagement hooks 332 abuts a sidewall 54 of a
respective channel 48, while an angled bottom wall 335 of each engagement
hook 332 abuts an angled bottom wall 58. It is noted that each engagement
hook 332 engages the respective channel 48 within the receiving portion
52 thereof, and that each hook does not fill the entire neck portion 50
of the channel 48, thereby allowing other work tools or work tool
supporting assemblies to be co-located along the length of the beam
member 26 with the stanchion assemblies 320, as described below.

[0093]An alternative embodiment of the clamping assembly 322a is
illustrated in FIG. 34, wherein each of the alternative clamping blocks
328a includes a cooperating wedge surface 329a, a bolt-receiving aperture
331a, and an upwardly and outwardly disposed engagement hook 332a, and an
inwardly-extending inner engagement hook 335 juxtaposed across the block
328a from the engagement hook 322a. Each of the inner engagement hooks is
adapted to engage an inner portion 337 (FIG. 32B) of the respective
channel 48 when the clamping assembly 322a is secured to the beam member
26. Another alternative embodiment clamping assembly 322b is illustrated
in FIGS. 32, wherein the multiple clamping blocks 328 of the first
embodiment are replaced with a single clamping block 328b that includes a
pair of camming engagement hooks 332b juxtaposed across the block 328b
from one another, wherein each of the engagement hooks 332b includes a
relief 339 extending along a length thereof, thereby allowing the block
328b to be twist fit into engagement with the channel 48. The block 328b
is then held in engagement with the channel 48 by assembly with the
remaining components of the stanchion assembly 320 and the supported work
tool, such as the storage unit 20.

[0094]In the illustrated example, the pedestal assembly 324 includes a
pair of angled legs 334 attached to respective blocks 328 by screws 341
received within apertures 343 of the legs 334 and apertures 345 of the
clamping blocks 328. Alternatively, the pedestal assembly 324 may be
constructed of a single piece, which may have a hollow interior that
receives the clamping blocks 328, 328a, 328b therein. The platform 326 is
substantially T-shaped including a pair of supporting arms 340 extending
orthogonally outward from a body portion 342 that is held between the
legs 334 by a bolt 344.

[0095]Another example of the work tools that are supported from the beam
assembly 24 (FIG. 3) includes the table 16 that includes a worksurface
350 (FIG. 36) having an upper surface 352 and a lower surface 354, and
that is supported between a plurality of vertical heights with respect to
the beam member 26 by a worksurface support assembly 356 and leg
assemblies 357. The worksurface support assembly 356 (FIG. 37) includes a
guide member 358 and a support member 360 telescopingly received within
the guide member 358. The guide member 358 has a box-like structure
including an outer wall 362, a pair of sidewalls 364 extending
orthogonally inward from the outer walls 362, and a pair of inner walls
366 extending orthogonally from the sidewalls 364, wherein the outer wall
362, the sidewalls 364 and the inner walls 366 cooperate to form a
channel 368 that telescoping receives the support member 360 therein. The
guide member 358 further includes a top wall 370 having an aperture 372
that receives the support member 360 therethrough, and a
rearwardly-extending, downwardly-opening hook portion 374 extending
laterally across the width of the guide member 358. The guide member 358
further includes a rearwardly-extending mounting tab 376 located
proximate a lower end of the guide member 358, and including a notch 378
extending across the width thereof The notch 378 (FIG. 38A) receives a
mounting clip 380 therein that includes a body portion 382, a clamping
portion 384 having a pair of impingement tabs 386 that impinge upon the
mounting tab 376, and an upwardly-extending, flexibly resilient spring
pawl 388. Alternatively, the mounting clip 380a (FIG. 38B) includes a
separate engagement pin 387 in place of the pawl 388, and a coil spring
389 to bias the pin 387 in an upward direction, and a plastic bushing 391
guiding the pin 387. The pin 387 has an angled top surface 393 to
facilitate engagement during assembly. One of the sidewalls 364 of the
guide member 358 includes a threaded aperture 390 located proximate an
upper end of the guide member 358 and that receives a set screw 398
therein. The support member 360 is L-shaped and includes a body portion
392 that is telescopingly received within the channel 368 of the guide
member 358 and an upper portion 394 that extends orthogonally to the body
portion 392 and is adapted to be secured to the worksurface 350. The body
portion 392 includes a plurality of reliefs 396 spaced along the length
thereof Alternatively, the support member 360 may be T-shaped (not shown)
and support a worksurface that extends across the beam assembly 24
providing work areas on both sides of the beam assembly 24.

[0096]In assembly, the worksurface support assembly 356 is attached to the
beam member 26 by inserting the hook portion 374 of the guide member 358
into engagement with one of the channels 48 of the beam member 26 and
then swinging a lower end of the worksurface support assembly 356 in a
direction 398 until the mounting clip 380 and the mounting tab 376 extend
into the gap 163 between the beam member 26 and the cover member 32 and
the spring pawl 388 is received within one of the apertures 66 of the
beam member 26. It is noted that the hook portion 374 of the worksurface
support assembly 356 engages only a portion of the neck portion 50 of the
engaged channel 48, thereby allowing the worksurface support assembly 356
to be co-located along with the stanchion assembly 320 at the same
position along the length of the beam member 26. In operation, the set
screw 398 is received within the aperture 390 and engages a select one of
the reliefs 396 within the support member 360, thereby allowing a user to
selectively position the work surface 350 between a plurality of vertical
positions, such as a first vertical position C and a second vertical
position D. Preferably, the worksurface support assembly 356 is
configured such that at least one of the vertical positions locates the
upper surface 352 of the worksurface 350 above the top wall 42 of the
beam member 26.

[0097]Another work tool of the furniture system 12 includes an overhead
screen assembly 400 (FIG. 39). The screen assembly 400 includes a frame
assembly 402 having Y-shaped upper frame members 404, cross frame members
406 extending between distal ends of the upper frame members 404, and a
stanchion assembly 408 similar in construction to the
previously-described stanchion assembly 320. In the illustrated example,
the screen assembly 400 includes a screen insert 410, however, other
elements may be supported within and from the frame assembly 402,
including, but not limited to, screen arrangements differing from that
which is illustrated, shelving units, lighting fixtures, acoustical
buffers, and the like. In the illustrated example, the screen assembly
400 is supported above and by a pair of the lower storage units 18 each
including a top wall 412, a rear wall 414, a pair of sidewalls 416, and a
bottom wall 418 that cooperate with one another to form an interior area
420. Although the illustrated lower storage unit 18 includes an open
front, other arrangements including drawers and doors may also be
utilized. The lower storage unit 18 also includes a laterally-extending
power zone or area 422 (FIG. 40) extending laterally across a rear
portion of the storage unit 18, and that is adapted to receive
electrical/communication lines, power distribution blocks, power
receptacle, and the like therein. An access door 424 pivotally coupled at
a point 426 provides access to the power zone 422. The storage unit
further includes a laterally-extending rail member 428 located rearward
of the power zone 422 and having outer walls 432 and an upwardly-opening,
inverted T-shaped channel 430 extending therealong and having a neck
portion 431 and a receiving portion 433. It is noted that the shape of
the channel 430 is similar to the shape of each of the channels 48 within
the beam member 24, thereby allowing the coupling of work tools and work
tool support assemblies with both the beam member 26 and the rail member
428.

[0098]As best illustrated in FIGS. 39, 41 and 42, a pair of the storage
units 18 are tethered together in a back-to-back relationship by a tether
bracket assembly 434. The tether bracket assembly 434 includes a tether
bracket 436 having a body portion 438 and a pair of downwardly-extending
arms 440. The tether bracket assembly 434 further includes a spacer 435,
and a pair of parallelogram-shaped nuts 442 and associated bolts 444.
Each nut 442 has a first width 443 that is less than the width of the
neck portion 431 of the channel 430, and a second width 445 that is
greater than the width of the neck portion 431. In assembly, the spacer
475 is positioned between the rail member 428, and is secured to the
tether bracket 436 by a bolt 437 extending through an aperture 439 and
threadably received into an aperture 441 of the space 435, bolts 444 are
positioned within corresponding apertures 446 of the body portion 438 and
are threadably received within the nuts 442. The tether bracket assembly
434 is then positioned with respect to the pair of storage units 18 such
that the arms 440 abut the outer walls 432 of the rail members 428, while
the first width 443 of the nuts 442 are aligned with the channels 430.
Once the nuts 442 are inserted into the receiving portion 443, tightening
of the bolts 432 turns the nuts 442 into a engagement with the channels
430, thereby coupling the storage units to one another and creating a
combined twin-channel system. Specifically, the channels 430 of the
tethered storage units 18 are spaced a substantially similar distance
apart as the channel members 48 within the beam member 24, thereby
allowing work tools such as the screen assembly 400 to be alternatively
supported either above the beam assembly 26 (FIG. 43), or above pairings
of furniture components, such as the storage units 18. A snap-fit cover
member 443 may provide an aesthetic aperture to the tether bracket
assembly 434. Likewise, other free-standing furniture components may also
be utilized in cooperation with one another to form a twin-channel
support structure, such as the tables 16 illustrated in FIG. 44. In the
illustrated example, the tables 16 each include a rail member 450
extending along a rear edge thereof and including a channel similar in
cross-sectional configuration to the channel 430 of the storage unit 18.
The rail members 450 of the respective tables 16 are coupled to one
another via a tether bracket assembly similar to the tether bracket
assembly 434, thereby creating the twin-slot support system.

[0099]In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by
those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention
without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications
are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these
claims by their language expressly state otherwise.